⚠ Caution...24,000 Bears in Wisconsin

County Park

I'm cautious now...more cautious than I used to be. In the past, a walk through a field with wildflowers and tall grasses, was something I loved. That, led to a forested path that took me down to a river, where said path became much less defined, then...disappeared. THEN, there was the realization that you were in the wilderness, in a state with over 24,000 bears. Yep. Time to turn around, and make my way back to the world that is paved; where you're careful to avoid cars, and maybe strange-looking people. Bears aren't on one's mind in the world that is paved.

I've lived in this state for over 50 years, and I've seen bears, numerous times. Fortunately, always from within the safety of a car. The last bear I saw was crossing the street where I was driving ("paved world" contradiction), heading into that aforementioned field where I used to love to walk...you know..."wildflowers and tall grasses".

City Park

The only place I now walk in nature, is in a nearby state park, or in city and county parks. The state park... sometimes, not usually, but sometimes...iffy. There are no garbage bins...you must take your garbage with you...if that's not a red-flag?? 🐻 I always ask when we pull up to the Visitor Center, if anyone has seen bears that day. Usually, they chuckle, and follow up with a "Nope." Remember, though, bears don't check in at the Visitor Center.🐻🐻

State Park